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| Pastor Dr. Peter Olarenwaju |
By Boluwatife Oparinde
"Don't take for granted the privilege of position because you will give account. When you fail to become what God wants you to be, the destinies attached to you will suffer. The first thing about leadership is the ability to lead yourself. If you are faithful in the little assignment you have, you are not qualified for the next assignment," the Assembly Pastor of CAC Sanctuary of Grace and Mercy, Akinyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Pastor Dr. Peter Olarenwaju has told youth leaders at the Ife Center Leaders' retreat.
Pastor Olarenwaju gave this charge, being the Guest Speaker at the retreat held at CAC Isegun, Moore, Ile Ife, Osun State, on Saturday, 25th March, 2023, acknowledging that he was standing in for the Chaplain of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Pastor J. Oluwasanmi.
Speaking on the topic, "The Structure, Roles and Responsibilities of CAC Youth Leaders", the cleric noted that, "leadership is a key factor in the success of any youth fellowship. Effective leadership is essential for guiding and inspiring young people to work together towards a shared vision or goal. A strong youth leader should provide direction, support, and guidance, while also helping to build a sense of community and connection among members."
Defining a leader as "someone who has the ability to inspire and motivate others to follow their vision, and who is willing to take responsibility for the success or failure of that vision," the Speaker added "that Jesus describes leadership as serving others in John 13:14-15."
Dr. Olarenwaju, who metaphorised leadership as being salt and light, told the youth leaders that, "salt and light have power to influence. Until you know who you are, you cannot function effectively" adding that, "when people come in contact with you, their lives should not be the same. As a leader, you must be contagious."
"People cannot come to your light more than the light you have. You cannot rise beyond the level of your light," he said.
Identifying some characteristics of 21st century youth that youth leaders must understand to include, "technology-savvy, diverse, independent, entrepreneurial, anxious, entertainment, innovativeness and seeking authenticity," the youthful minister counselled that the leaders must know what the youth know in order to identify the ills and negatives they are exposed to.
In his motivative and impactful charge to the Ife Center youth leaders, Dr. Olarenwaju, who serves in many capacities at the national level of the CAC youth wing, related that Timothy provides several key roles and responsibilities of a youth leader that are still relevant today, which are, teaching and discipleship, modelling Christ-like behaviour, building relationships, encouraging and supporting, mentoring, leadership development, evangelism outreach, prayer, personal growth, programme development and advocating.
Highlighting the structure of Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship, Pastor Olarenwaju concluded that, "the youth Fellowship Leadership roles and responsibilities are crucial for the development and growth of young people in the church. Effective youth leaders should be responsible, committed, and passionate about guiding and mentoring young people. They should work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows youth to feel comfortable and supported in their journey of faith."